Blog5: Contraception Beliefs

In what ways could someone's culture, beliefs and practices influence contraceptive decision making? Provide thorough examples based on some of your readings and your own personal experiences. What were the beliefs about birth control/contraception within your own home and family?
Contraception may be a taboo subject depending on religion, parent/family views, and personal beliefs.
For example the Roman Catholic Church does not believe in contraceptives other than fertility awareness methods, which may leave a high chance for becoming pregnant because some women may not have regular menstrual cycles in order to help determine ovulation. In addition, measuring basal body temperature may not be reliable if there are other factors that affect the body temperature such as sexual activity, illness, or infection. Also being aware of the quality of cervical mucus and being able to differentiate when there is an increase in discharge, change in color, and consistency of mucus. Finally, there are many days in which the couples need to abstain from sexual intercourse. Some couples may not follow through with abstinence during these days, which could result in a pregnancy.

Other religions feel that only married couples should be able to use contraception and some may even feel that there needs to be a limit of use. Other religions may completely forbid any type of contraception. When people say “it’s a sin” I think it is from their lack of education. I am not a very religious person. I believe in God. I do not believe in the people that tell you what to think the bible means. For instance, I do not feel that God would label us as sinners if we were to use contraception. We are simply planning. There are some people that want to establish a good financial life before starting a family. I do not think there is anything wrong with getting prepared and then having a baby.

Parents and family can also be an influencing factor on ones choice and beliefs. Some people worry about pleasing their family. For instance those cultures that put a high value on virginity before marriage do not feel it is necessary for their daughter to be on birth control, she shouldn’t be engaging in sexual activity any way. Once the daughter is married, some cultures will think there is something wrong with the wife if she is not getting pregnant.

Finally, one either allows their religion and family views to have an effect on how you think or you just decide to do what is best for you. In my family there is not much talk about contraception. There was an instance when my mom was criticizing mothers for taking their daughters to get birth control. My response to her was well it is better for their daughters to be on birth control rather than to become a grandmother. I have also heard my mom make comments about teenagers that get pregnant more than once. She has said, “There are pills for them to prevent pregnancies.” I assume that she does believe in contraception, however not for HER daughter. She also had her tubes removed about 16 years ago. My youngest brother was not planned and she decided to take matters into her own hands because she was sure she did not want any more children.

I feel that the higher level of education the more your mind opens to ideas and you start changing your mind about certain things you once agreed with your parents, family, and church. I know mine definitely did, and I am going to do what is best for me. No one else is going to have to deal with my consequences, except for myself; therefore I need to take responsibility for myself.